Bay Area Blogger Meet and Sweat Event
For several months, I’d been toying with the idea of hosting a “get-together” for a bunch of bloggers and was never quite sure how I wanted it to play out. Well, this past weekend I decided to combine my love of blogging and fitness to create a little something called the “Bay Area Blogger Meet and Sweat,” and it was absolutely perfect.
Take a look at this happy group of ladies before their killer workout took place.
On Saturday mid-afternoon, I invited a group of ladies from San Francisco and the East Bay area to join me for a social hour and short workout at Orangetheory Fitness in downtown Walnut Creek, where I’m a coach.
Bringing together blogging ladies in the East Bay
While most of the ladies I had met at various blogger events in San Francisco before, a few were new to me. It was so nice to finally make face-to-face connections with some new ladies, and we all became fast friends. The attendees included bloggers who focus on fashion, fitness, lifestyle and food and some who do a little bit of everything.
The ladies present included the fabulous Caity, Jill, Cassandra, Sarah, Dani, Hayley, Melissa, Julianne, Daisy, Crystal, Kristen, Brandy and Stacey. And because most blogger events take place in downtown San Francisco, a few of the ladies who live closer to me were super happy to have something to do in our neck of the woods.
I was looking forward to this event for weeks, and I couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.
When the ladies arrived, they signed a waiver for the workout and also got strapped up with a heart-rate monitor. From there, they grabbed a gift bag full of fun loot and began to mix and mingle. We had the perfectly sized crowd of just about 15 bloggers total, and it’s a good thing there weren’t more people, because two hours just didn’t seem like enough time to hang out and fit in the “sweat” portion of the day.
For the first hour, we took pictures, chatted, exchanged business cards, and then I gave them the download on what to expect from the workout.
After taking a serious photo, we had to take a not-so-serious one. Or wait, is this one serious too?
Coaching the ladies into the Orange Zone
I took them through about half of a typical Orangetheory class, with about 13 minutes on the treadmill and about 13 minutes on the rower and weight-room floor, with a warm-up and a cool-down and a couple of breaks mixed in, clocking in at around 40 minutes total. It was all but one blogger’s first time trying Orangetheory, and I loved seeing their reactions. They really pushed themselves! And it didn’t hurt that I selected a focus of “power” for the workout, so there was definitely some jumping, sprinting and all-out efforts required of them all.
Because the group was small enough to keep on one side, I was able to coach each person individually to hit their target zones. Good times!
After the workout, we gave high-fives, posed for some after-photos, enjoyed treats, chatted and went on our merry way. It was such a good time, and as I said, went by far too fast!
These types of blogger meet-ups are super important. I always feel re-energized about the efforts I put into this blog, when I get the chance to share stories with other people who do the same thing as I do.
Of course, our memories will live on, and there was plenty of social media-ing to be done. Check out some of the Instagram posts using our hashtag #BayAreaBloggerMeetandSweat from Caity, Kristen, Jill, Brandy, Hayley, Dani, Daisy, Crystal, Me and Sarah. And check out the blog event recaps from Cassie, Hayley, Caity, Dani and Crystal. Good stuff!
Here’s a look at a strong group of ladies after their killer workout was complete.
Filling the gift bags with amazing goodies
When planning this event, I reached out to some of my favorite brands to see if they would be interested in providing some treats and gifts for my blogger friends. And not only were they interested, they all went above and beyond. Just check out the line-up …
Fuel, recovery, treats and more. What a pretty display, if I do say so myself.
In the weeks leading up to the event, every time I would get a delivery, I was consistently shocked at how much was sent. We needed bigger gift bags!
- Thank you so much to Fabletics, who provided my outfit, as well as gift bags, special towels, discount cards, journals, pens and lip balm for everyone. As a Fabletics Master, I’m responsible for sharing my love of wellness and fitness in my community, and this event was a perfect way to do that.
- Thank you to Naked Juice, who totally spoiled us with tons of delicious fresh juices and juice smoothies. We had enough for everyone to take a few flavors home with them too.
- Thank you to Vega, for providing a big tub of delicious plant-based vegan Protein & Greens powder and shaker cups for every single lady.
- Thank you to Muscle Milk, for providing 100-calorie protein shakes.
- Thank you to Doughbies, for providing some freshly made cookies, which we devoured after the workout. (Available in San Francisco, you can get $5 off your order using ALADYGOESWEST as your promo code.)
- Thank you to LUNA Bar, for providing tons of tasty gluten-free nutrition bars for everyone to snack on.
- Thanks to Orangetheory Fitness Walnut Creek, for letting me host my event.
- Thank you to my husband, Dave, who not only helped me tote all of the gift bags and treats around downtown Walnut Creek and help me set up, but who also took a bunch of photos during the event. As usual, he was a champ.
And finally, thank you to all the lovely ladies who showed up and worked out. You gals were total rockstars, and I truly enjoyed spending time together.
Some new friends and old friends, hanging out on a fun Saturday in Walnut Creek.
As I told the group of ladies on Saturday, this is just the first of these “Bay Area Blogger Meet and Sweat” events, because I had so much fun putting it together and hosting it, that I’m definitely going to do another one soon. Until next time …
Fitness, new friends + fun. Check out the #BayAreaBloggerMeetandSweat event hosted at #Orangetheory Click To TweetQuestions of the day
Bloggers, have you ever been to a meet-up?
When is the last time you tried something new?
P.S. If you’re a blogger in Northern California, make sure you leave your email below, so I can let you know when I host another event!
Wow so much fun! I love that it was a short meetup. I’ve been to a few blogger meetups and they tend to be all day so it’s nicer when you can be in and out and get a workout in too.
Yes, this one was definitely not an all-day thing!
So awesome Ashley! Looks like the perfect day to me! You are doing such big things. Xoxo.
Ha, thanks, Courtney! It was a really fun thing for me to plan and host! 🙂
Looks really fun!
Thanks, Andrea. It was! 🙂
This looks like such a fun event! Great job putting together the perfect mix of workout + mingling!
Thanks, Ash! I love to throw a good party. 🙂 heheh! Thanks for saying hi!
This is so fun! Cass told me about this and I was jealous.
You should travel here for it next time, Erin! 🙂 I’d love to meet you!
What an awesome event! Great job lady! And your outfit is so adorable 🙂
Thanks, Gretchen! That’s thanks to Fabletics. 🙂
SO much fun, Ashley! I’ve been thinking about searching for some SW Florida bloggers and hosting a get together. I loved spending time with fellow bloggers in Chicago and would love to do the same here.
You totally should!! Do it near Thanksgiving and maybe I can come! 🙂
That is awesome. I so wish I had other bloggers near me! The closest other blogger to me is a ferry ride away 🙁
You may be surprised that there are more near you than you think. Are you SUREEEE?? 🙂 hehehe! Have a great day, Bri!
This looks like so much fun!!! And I love your pants 🙂
Thanks, Sam! All Fabletics!! 🙂
This looks like a blast! Would love to attend a blogger meet up, especially if yummy snacks + a good sweat are involved!
You know we have to have treats at blogger meet-ups, Brie … 🙂
Thank you *so much* for a wonderful Saturday. I’m still sore and still can’t stop smiling! <3
That’s something a fit person would say — they LOVE being sore! hahah! 🙂
What a great idea!!! So wish I lived closer, I’d love to be a part of something like that 🙂 You did a great job putting it all together and I’m sure the girls appreciated it and had a wonderful time! Congrats on it being a success!!
Thanks, lady! It was really fun to plan and do! Wish you lived closer too!
Girl! This is amazing and I LOVE that you put something like this together! I don’t have too many bloggers in my immediate area, but I’ve been to a handful of blogger meetups and they’re always so much fun. It’s nice to hang out with a group of like minded people 🙂
Hi Amanda! It was SO fun to put together! And yes, we have a big group in the Bay Area, so it was easy to get a handful together. Maybe we’ll meet one day! 🙂
Boy, do I ever wish I was in San Fransisco! This looks like a ton of fun. I love blogger meet-ups.
I’ll give you advance notice for the next one, so you can fly out, Jen! 🙂
I’m so sad I missed it! I didn’t even end up going to the wedding because I wasn’t feeling good 🙁 It looks like it was a huge success!
Oh no, Giselle! I’m sorry! Yes, you have to come to the next one. Hope you are feeling better!
This looks so fun!
It was, Renee! Thanks! 🙂
Great recap, even better afternoon!! Can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Thanks, lady!! 🙂 Me too!!
Wow Ashley that looks amazing and fun!! I wish I lived closer so I could’ve participated. You are an amazing hostess!
Thanks, Emily! Wish you could’ve come too! 🙂
So bummed I missed this one, but can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Definitely, Sheena! 🙂 Hope to meet you one day!
This sounds like so much fun! Moving out to Denver from Chicago, I’ve had to reach out to folks via email and ended up meeting a great group of gals. Though it’s interesting that the fashion blogger crowd is a lot more social than the fitness and lifestyle out here (at least from my experience, ha!) I’ll have to follow in your foot steps and make my own meet up! I may be in touch to ask for some tips (especially with Orange Theory being down the street from me. 🙂 )
Hi Jessica! Yes, it was easy for me to find a place to host, since I already coach at OTF. And yes, the fashion bloggers are WAY more social around here too. 🙂 hehhee!
Ha, glad it’s not just around Denver. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks again for hosting, Ashley!! And huge thanks to Dave for his photo skills 🙂
Of course!! Thanks for coming!! 🙂 So glad we finally met!
Aw that looks like a blast and you got a great goodie bag for everyone. I want to go to your blogger events (if only I was closer 🙂 )
I know, Sheena! You can fly in for the next one … 🙂
It looks like you guys had an amazing time! Would love to attend sometime!
Do you have a list of your favorite workout spots in SF? I use Classpass and would love to find some new workouts!
YES! I wrote about many on the Fitness + Workouts page on the blog. I like Pop Physique, Barry’s Bootcamp, Pure Barre, Cardio Barre to name a few!
YEAH! I am always looking for more Bay Area bloggers to follow. Thank you for the introduction to these lovely ladies.
Hi Sabrina! You are welcome!! 🙂 Enjoy!
Ah, SO jealous-darn!!!! I’ll be there next time!
Yes, we missed you!! 🙂
Awesome! How do I get invited to the next one?!
Hi Mandie! I’ll put you on my list! 🙂
This looks like such a great event! Since I am new to the world of blogging I have never been to an event like this before but I would sure be open to it. What a fun way to spend that afternoon!
It was so fun, Torry! I hope you get to go to a blogging event soon! VERY cool to meet people you’ve followed online in person. 🙂
What a FUN meet-up! Looks like you did a great job at leading it! And wow – those companies provided some awesome goodies for everyone!
Hi Ash! I had so much fun planning it, so I know I’ll do another!! Maybe you can fly in? 🙂
I had so much fun, Ashley! Thank you again for making it such a wonderful experience for us!
I’m definitely going to check into the Orange Theory in Dublin and see if I can get Brandon to go try it out with me. I’m so curious about my heart rate now! That, and I really loved the workout. I was sore in all the right places. 🙂
I kind of want to plan something now too but it would have to food related, obviously. 😉 It would be nice to treat you after all you did for us!
YES, go to OTF Dublin and take Becky’s class. She’s a friend of mine and a GREAT trainer!! She’s soo awesome — those classes are packed too. And YES for a food event. I like to eat.
This looks like so much fun. I have never been to a blogging event, but now I really want to go to one. Your outfit is super cute too, love Fabletics.
Thanks, Patricia! You should definitely try and find a blogger meet-up near you! The personal connections are the best. 🙂
Thank you again for the time and effort you put into hosting this fabulous event Ashley!! It was such a great afternoon, with the perfect balance of mingling, treats, and fitness! With you’re on point instruction and this great group of ladies, I can’t wait for the next one <3
I’m already brainstorming for the next one, Jill…. 🙂 YES! Thanks for coming!
Thank you so much again for hosting, Ashley! I know how much work goes into putting on something like that and you KILLED it! Can’t wait for the next one! xo
Thank you so much for coming, Cassie! It was fun! Yes, I’ll be planning another one soon! 🙂
Okay! LOVE LOVE LOVE that you set out to host a blogger meet up and BAM – YOU DID IT!!! 🙂 I wish I lived close by… However, I wonder if you would have invited me 😉
Of course, Gigi! You’d TOTES be invited. 🙂 Maybe you can travel for my next one!
Love love blogger meet ups and if we get to workout together that is even better.
Yes, Jill! Combining two of our favorites things, right? 🙂
What fun time! I would love to take one of your classes 🙂
That would be fun, Sarah! Maybe one day! 🙂
Thanks for such a fun workout, Ashley! It was so great getting to meet some other fabulous Bay Area bloggers! Can’t wait for the next one! 😉
Thank you so much for joining, Julianne! I look forward to hanging out again! 🙂
I’m so sorry I didn’t know about your event, it would have been a pleasure to be there. Hope I will join you next time.
Laura
Hi Laura! I’ll keep you in mind for next time for sure! Hope we can meet one day! 🙂
I’m new in the Bay Area so I look forward to meet you 🙂
YES! Welcome, Laura!! Are you East Bay or City or where??
I’m in San Jose!
I’d love to join in on the next meetup! There’s an Orangetheory opening near my office in Redwood City, I’m super excited to try it out!
Oh my gosh, YES, Emily! I’d love to meet you in person! 🙂 Hope you are having a great weekend!
I just joined the FB group and will definitely look out for future events like this…it looks awesome! You’re clearly a great planner to put this together and get all the sponsors – looking forward to the next one. And I’m sure we’ll meet someday soon!
Thanks, Markita! I hope to meet you too!
that’s so so cool that you were able to host the meetup at OTF AND workout with everyone! perfect blogger activity 🙂 (i just typed blooger LOL).
also LOVE the goodie bags! so sweet of the brands to provide so much awesome stuff!
Hi lady! YES! It was such a fun! I didn’t get to do the workout, since I was coaching it, but I enjoyed watching them sweat!
Hi! Know I’m super late on this but I’m new to the Bay Area and blog over at The Path To Mecca. Would love to know if you ever throw another meet-up. Also, I love OTF! I’ve been a fan since 2012 and would go constantly when I lived in Minneapolis. I’m thrilled they have locations here.
Hi!! So nice to connect with you!! Let’s definitely stay in touch, so I can reach out when I host my next event. WELCOME!:)
That sounds great! I’d absolutely love that — and in the meantime, I need to get over to the East Bay for an OTF class. I passed the studio last weekend on my way to spin and was so excited just looking at it. 🙂
Looks like it was SO much fun! Would love to join for a future one!
For sure, Melissa!! Are you in the East Bay??
Yep! I’m in Oakland!
Yay!
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